You might need it: The Most Powerful 100W Portable Mobile Power Ever on Kickstarter
The Most Powerful 100W Portable Mobile Power Ever is available for $79 on Kickstarter. Might be ideal for you on long trips!
Kickstarter projects:
- You can now preorder the new Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 MFT lens for $199 on Kickstarter.
- New Peak Design superlight tripod on Kickstarter.
- DUO photographers bag on Kickstarter.
First Olympus MC-20 teleconverter review at Digitalcameraworld
Preorder it now on BHphoto, GetOlympus and Adorama.
Digitalcameraworld tested the new Olympus MC-20 2x teleconverter. The verdict:
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 is about twice as thick as its predecessor, the 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14. However, taking the Olympus 300mm f/4 as an example, the difference in magnified reach between the two lenses is a staggering 360mm (the MC-14 turning it into an 840mm equivalent, the MC-20 a 1200mm equivalent).
For the price difference between the two lenses, we would absolutely recommend the MC-20 – not only does it deliver super telephoto range for sports and wildlife shooting, it also doubles the magnification for super telephoto macro shooting.
It’s a fantastic performer that, thanks to the optimum optical design of its master lenses, produces fantastic images that would otherwise be impossible to achieve on the system.
Pair it with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and you also get the benefit of Sync IS (which employs the in-body and in-lens stabilization in tandem) that gives you 7.5 stops of image stabilization – meaning that you can shoot without a tripod. A 1200mm lens you can use handheld? That alone is worth the price of admission.
New Olympus E-M1II firmware update tests by Robin Wong, Peter Forsgård and Photo Bern
More info about the firmware update on GetOlympus
Here are two video reviews from Robin Wong and Peter Forsgård:
Robin Wong also wrote a blo post and the conclusion says:
I applaud Olympus for providing such a significant update for E-M1 Mark II. After all, this camera has been around since 2016, with the updated and reworked camera features, the new Firmware 3.0 brings E-M1 Mark II closer to E-M1X especially when it comes to AF improvement, which to me is a critical upgrade. This will directly affect the camera performance across all shooting scenarios.
There is also a German written review by Photo Bern.
Olympus MC-20 teleconverter officially announced!
Olympus has announced the new 2x Teleconverter for the 40-150mm f/2.8 and 300mm f/4 Pro lenses. You can preorder it now on BHphoto, GetOlympus and Adorama.
OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL 2x TELECONVERTER MC-20
Expand the Field of Photography with Portability and Superb Image Quality of the Master Lens
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 19, 2019 – Olympus is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20. This teleconverter doubles the focal length of the master lens, and features dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (-10°C) professional weatherproof construction for outstanding optical performance ideal for even the most severe environmental conditions. By doubling the maximum shooting magnification of the master lens, this teleconverter further expands the field of photography in super telephoto macro shooting. This product is compatible with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO and M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO, which is currently under development.
Super Telephoto and Super Telephoto Macro Shooting
Just like the M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14, the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 maintains the excellent imaging performance of the master lens while doubling the focal length, making it possible to capture intense shots of subjects that are usually difficult to approach, including small birds and animals. When attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, handheld super telephoto shooting at 1200mm equivalent (35mm equivalent) is possible.
When attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, the MC-20 allows the user to shoot near actual size at 0.96x (35mm equivalent) from the maximum shooting magnification of 0.48x. With performance like this, the photographer can capture close-up photos from far away without disturbing subjects that are sensitive to people, such as insects. Utilizing Focus Stacking results in photos that are in focus across the entire image, even on super telephoto lenses, which tend to have a shallow depth of field.
Outstanding Optical Performance
A 9-element, 4-group lens construction with an HR lens helps suppress various types of aberrations including chromatic aberration while maintaining the excellent optical performance of the master lens to double the focal length. The design also helps prevent ghosts and flares for superb image performance, thanks to ZERO coating.
Reliability to Capture the Moment
The master lens is designed to deliver excellent performance and dependable reliability, even when an Olympus teleconverter is attached. Virtually no loss in autofocus speed makes it possible to capture split-second photo opportunities using FAST AF performance. The dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof professional weatherproof construction, coupled with powerful 5-axis image stabilization and FAST AF ensures that the user captures their shot even in the most severe environments.
Compatible Lenses
- Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
- Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO
- Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO (under development-planned for launch in 2020)
Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 ships with the body cap BC-3, lens cap LR-2 and lens case LSC-0603 and is available now with suggested retail prices of $429.99 USD and $559.99 CAD.
New firmware updates for the E-M1X to the E-M1 Mark II
Big news folks! Olympus released a major firmware update for the two flagship cameras!
Press release via Dpreview
OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES FIRMWARE UPGRADES ENHANCING AUTOFOCUS PERFORMANCE AND IMAGE QUALITY
Version 3.0 for the OM-D® E-M1 Mark II, Version 1.1 for the OM-D E-M1X and Version 1.1 for Olympus® Workspace
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 19, 2019 – Olympus is pleased to announce availability of the latest firmware upgrade for two interchangeable lens cameras, Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X. Additionally, Firmware Version 1.1 is now available for Olympus Workspace. OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 3.0 adds high-precision autofocus (AF) performance and the high image quality currently available on Olympus’ newest OM-D, the E-M1X. Specifically designed for the professional models in the OM-D series, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1X, this new firmware provides feature enhancements for photographers who require portability and smooth operation of the camera when shooting.
OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Version 3.0: Main Features
Advanced AF Performance
This upgrade utilizes the OM-D E-M1X algorithm, which was developed based on the shooting needs of the professional photographer. With the goal of achieving performance that responds to demanding shooting conditions, such as fast movement in sports, etc., C-AF Center Priority delivers high-precision tracking of moving subjects and sudden subject movement. AF precision for still subjects when using S-AF is improved for various subjects compared to OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3. Active use of information from the On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor also improves AF performance while shooting video.
Newest AutoFocus Features
Group 25-point has been added to AF Target, and is effective for photographing birds and other small subjects. C-AF Center Priority is now available, and repeatedly autofocuses with priority on the center point in Group 5-point, Group 9-point, and Group 25-point. If AF is not possible in the center point, the peripheral points in the group area assists, which is effective for subjects that move around quickly. In addition, C-AF+MF1 is included which allows users to instantly switch to MF by turning the focus ring while in C-AF for fine tuning the focus.
Low Light Limit Update
The AF low light limit when an f/1.2 lens is attached is -6.0 EV (ISO 100 equivalent for S-AF), enabling high precision focusing in both dark scenes and for low-contrast subjects.
Improved Image Quality
Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) has been added for higher resolution when shooting at low ISO sensitivity[1], making it possible to reduce noise while shooting with low ISO settings. Compared with OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3, noise that occurs when shooting at high ISO sensitivity is improved approximately 1/3 of a step.
Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace
USB RAW Data Edit[2] is now supported for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II TruePic™ VIII image processor.
Enhanced Operability
- Anti-flicker shooting added to prevent unstable exposure, particularly when sequential shooting indoors.
- OM-Log400 movie-exclusive picture mode added, allowing the user to shoot movies without loss of details in shadows or highlight blowouts, delivery greater freedom over video creativity through color grading.
- Frame Rate Priority added to Live View Boost/On2 display, displaying images at a comfortable brightness, even in especially dark locations, such as under a starlit sky without lowering the frame rate.
- From 3 to 15 shots can be selected in Focus Stacking and guide lines have been added to the shooting area
- Quick image selection added
- Setting changes and playback display while writing to card now possible, facilitating quick operation.
- Instant Film added to Art Filter
- ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) added
OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 1.1： Main Features
Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace
USB RAW Data Edit is now supported for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1X TruePic VIII image processor.
Olympus Workspace Image Editing Software Version 1.1: Main Features
Focus Stacking added for compositing images shot in Focus Bracketing[3]
Previously, when using Focus Stacking on a computer, it was necessary to use commercially available third party software to composite images. Now, t is possible to composite up to 999 images in Olympus Workspace.
Lighten Composite added
Lighten Composite is now supported by Olympus Workspace, making it possible to create images similar to Live Composite on the camera. Darken Composite has also been added.
Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace
USB RAW Data Edit has been added for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer, using the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1X TruePic VIII image processor.
Function Support Chart
✓ reflects the functions that have been upgraded with the firmware.
| Feature | E-M1X Ver. 1.1 | E-M1 mark II Ver. 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| AF Group Target 25-point | Already available | ✓ |
| Custom AF Target | Already available | – |
| C-AF Center Priority | Already available | ✓ |
| C-AF Center Start | Already available | ✓ |
| C-AF+MF | Already available | ✓ |
| Intelligent Subject Detection AF | Already available | – |
| Anti-flicker shooting | Already available | ✓ |
| OM-Log 400 | Already available | ✓ |
| ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) | Already available | ✓ |
| Frame Rate Priority on Live View Boost/On2 | Already available | ✓ |
| Focus Stacking: Select from 3 to 15 images | Already available | ✓ |
| Focus Stacking: Guide line display | Already available | ✓ |
| Art Filter: Instant Film | Already available | ✓ |
| Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) | Already available | ✓ |
| Setting changes and playback display while writing to card | Already available | ✓ |
| Quick image selection | Already available | ✓ |
| USB RAW Data Edit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live ND shooting | Already available | – |
| Handheld High Res Shot | Already available | – |
| High-speed shooting: 120 fps (1920×1080/ MOV) | Already available | – |
| Bluetooth® connection | Already available | – |
| UHS-II compatible dual card slots | Already available | – |
| GPS® / Field Sensor System | Already available | – |
| USB power supply/battery charging | Already available | – |
| Multi Selector | Already available | – |
Please visit the following URL for access to Olympus software and Digital Camera Updater: https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/software
Pricing and Availability
Firmware Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Firmware Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and Firmware Version 1.1 for Olympus Workspace are available at no charge as an ongoing value demonstrating Olympus’ commitment to continuous product improvements.
[1] May affect the number of sequential shots in normal sequential shooting priority modes.
[2] This new function makes RAW processing much faster by using the TruePic VIII image processor on the camera via USB connection. Olympus Workspace and the supported camera must both be updated with required firmware. The available editing options from Olympus Workspace are limited to RAW editing options that can be handled internally in the camera. Compatible models are OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and images are saved in JPEG format.
[3] Images must be shot with a lens that supports Focus Stacking.
Today only: Mega Deal Zone offers at BHphoto!
100+ items are on discount on today’s BHphoto Dealzone. Here are a few strictly MFT related deals:
$230 off on the SmallHD FOCUS OLED DMW-BLF19 Kit for Panasonic GH5S/5/4/3
$140 off on the Lensbaby Trio 28 Lens with Filter Kit for Micro Four Thirds
$60 off on the Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens for Micro Four Thirds
$30 off on the Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Shutter Release (For Select Panasonic, Olympus)
$25 off on the Vello Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Micro Four Thirds Camera Lens Adapter
$20 off on the Oben Camera Grip with Arca Plate for Olympus OM-D E-M10 & E-M10 Mark II
Kickstarter projects:
- You can now preorder the new Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 MFT lens for $199 on Kickstarter.
- Peak design has just launched a compltely new kind of Tripod on Kickstarter.
- DUO photographers bag on Kickstarter.